Report: Mercedes-Benz Set To Axe A-Class Hatch And Sedan

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly set to axe both the A-Class Hatch and Sedan range come 2026. Their demise was fuelled by recent debut and impending arrival of the new third-gen CLA saloon and its planned offshoots.

After having its production cycle extended by two years, it looks like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class compact sedan and hatchback range will be axed as planned. The recent debut of the new CLA compact saloon confirms this move as the three-point star marque simplifies its range too.

Evidently, the third-gen CLA compact saloon, which will also see both electric (EV) and hybrid powertrain choices readied, is set to succeed the A-Class Sedan. The A-Class hatchback, on the other hand, will reportedly not see a direct successor once production ends in 2026.

The new CLA is set to directly succeed the A-Class sedan, whereas the A-Class hatch will not see a direct replacement.

This plan was long hinted since the Concept CLA Class in 2023 where Mercedes-Benz confirmed plans to develop just four new compact cars from the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform base said concept – and eventual production version – debuted and underpinned.

Besides the CLA saloon and a planned shooting brake twin, the other three MMA-based offshoots expected include two new crossover SUVs – presumably the next-generation GLA and GLB  models – plus an all-new ‘baby’ G-Class. In turn, this leaves no room to develop a new hatchback offshoot.

Concurrently, this also signals the end of the B-class MPV model, which rides on the same Mercedes-Benz MFA platform as the current A-Class sedan and hatch, outgoing CLA, as well as both the current GLA and GLB crossover SUVs. Additionally, the model’s axing is also likely driven by its slow sales.

Current GLA (left) and GLB (right) crossover SUVs pictured. Their successor will be developed as offshoots of the new CLA.

Current Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback in Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic pictured.

Ultimately, the move sees Mercedes-Benz reducing complexity of its line-up by downsizing its compact cars range from seven to just four instead.

Closer to home, the A-Class Sedan is presently locally assembled (CKD) by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) at its plant in Pekan, Pahang. Its variant includes a base A200 Progressive Line, A250 4Matic AMG Line, and a much hotter AMG A35 4Matic performance range-topper.